Camera data setting device

ABSTRACT

A camera exposure data setting device for setting exposure data in digital form in response to on or off of switches. A first switch actuating member is manually operable for changing mainly an exposure time value and is located at or about the position where a shutter speed setting dial is located conventional cameras, and a second switch actuating member is manually operable for changing mainly a diaphragm aperture value and is located at a position of the camera opposite from the position of the first switch member with respect to the vertical plane passing the optical axis of an objective lens. The first switch actuating member is operated for changing the exposure time value in an exposure time priority automatic exposure control mode and a manual exposure control mode and changing the diaphragm aperture value in a diaphragm aperture priority automatic exposure control mode, and the second switch actuating member is operated for changing the exposure time value in the exposure time priority automatic exposure control mode and the diaphragm aperture value in the exposure time priority automatic exposure control mode and the manual exposure control mode.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 582,003,filed Sep. 10, 1990, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.319,824, filed Mar. 3, 1989, which is a continuation of application Ser.No. 241,331 filed Sep. 7, 1988, which is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 115,620, filed Oct. 30, 1987, which is a continuationapplication Ser. No. 807,694, filed Dec. 11, 1985, all now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a camera data setting device whichincludes switch members manually operated for setting camera data suchas a shutter speed value, a diaphragm aperture value, and an exposurecompensation value, and which is used for a camera operable selectivelyin a plurality of exposure control modes such as a programmed automaticexposure control mode (hereinafter referred to as P mode), a diaphragmaperture priority automatic exposure control mode (hereinafter referredto as A mode), an exposure time priority automatic exposure control mode(hereinafter referred to as S mode), and a manual exposure control mode(hereinafter referred to as M mode).

2. Description of the Prior Art

A camera data setting device of the above mentioned type is disclosed ina Japanese laid open patent application with the laid open No.54-138431. The device of the laid-open application is used for a camerawhich operates selectively in the A and S modes and is provided with apair of switch members, one for the increase of the camera data and theother for the decrease of the camera data. Both switch members arecommonly used for changing the diaphragm aperture value in the A modeand the exposure time in the S mode. However, the camera of theapplication operates only in the A and S modes and cannot operate in a Mmode.

If the switch member of the prior art camera is adapted for the exposuredata setting in the M mode as well as in the A and S modes, a selectormember is required for the selection of the exposure data to be changedin the M mode between the diaphragm aperture and exposure time such thatthe switch members can change both exposure data selectively. Theselector member may only be used for the data change in the M mode.Additionally, in the M mode, the user, before operating the switchmembers, must confirm which data has been selected to be changed. Afterchanging the selected data, he or she must then operate the selectormember to select the other data and operate the switch members. Thus,the operation is complicated and annoying for the user. Otherwise, it islikely to occur that unexpected data is changed if the user fails toconfirm the selection of the exposure data.

Furthermore, both switch members are arranged on the left side of thecamera top cover, as viewed from the back of the camera. However, whenthe user holds the camera with the right hand grasping the right side ofthe camera body and with the left hand supporting the lower side of thelens barrel as viewed from the back of the camera, it is difficult forhim or her to operate the switch members without moving either hand offthe camera or to reach to the switch member with a finger of either handholding the camera. Additionally, as the location of the switch membersis different from that of a diaphragm aperture setting dial and ashutter speed setting dial on the conventional cameras, unusual orstrange feeling of operation is caused to the user who has beenaccustomed to the operation of the conventional camera.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a camera data setting devicewhich can be easily operated without failure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera withmanual members arranged to be operated simply without confusion forturning on or off switches and changing exposure data set in digitalform.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a camera datasetting device which includes switch members manually operable forchanging a diaphragm aperture value and an exposure time value and whichwill not cause strange and unusual feeling of data changing operation tothe users who have been accustomed to the operation of conventionalcameras having a diaphragm aperture setting ring and shutter speedsetting dial.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a cameradata setting device which includes switch members manually operable forchanging a diaphragm aperture value and an exposure time value in A, Sand M modes without requiring complicated operation for the selection ofthe data to be operated.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a camerawhich includes switch members manually operable for changing a diaphragmaperture value and an exposure time value and easily accessible by theuser who holds the camera with both hands.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cameradata setting device wherein modified or shifted camera condition anddata are restored to basic standard ones in a short time.

A camera data setting device according to the present invention isprovided with first and second switch members manually operable forchanging the camera data and located at different positions on thecamera. The first switch member is located at or near a portion of thecamera where a shutter speed setting dial is located on a conventionalcamera and the second switch member is located at a position oppositefrom the position of the first switch member with respect to thevertical plane passing the optical axis of the camera objective lens.Moreover, the first switch member is used for changing the exposure timein the S and M modes and changing the diaphragm aperture in the A mode,and the second switch member is used for changing the exposure time inthe S mode and changing the diaphragm aperture in the A and M modes.

Accordingly, although the first and second switch members are separatelylocated for data change in the M mode, both switch members are commonlyused in the S and A modes for changing the value of the exposure time ordiaphragm aperture and making the data changing operation easy.Additionally both switch members can be operated with the camera held inboth hands of a user, such that the first switch member is operable by afinger of the right hand which grasps the camera body and the secondswitch member is operable by the thumb or finger of the left hand whichsupports the lens barrel. In other words, the data change according tothe present invention is carried out substantially in the same manner asin the data change in the conventional mechanical setting type camera.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become moreapparent upon a reading of the following detailed specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plain view of a camera to which the present invention isapplied;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the microcomputer shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a detailed flow chart at step #11 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a shifting manner of the program line shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plain view of a second example of a camera;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the camera shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a right side view of the camera shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a top plain view of a third example of a camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 through 3 show the outer appearance of an example of alens-exchangeable single lens reflex camera to which the presentinvention is applied. FIG. 1 is a top plain view of the camera, whileFIGS. 2 and 3 are front elevation and right side views of the same. Withreference to FIG. 1, the camera 1 is provided on the right side portionof its top cover 2, with a display section 10, a main switch member 11and a reset pushbutton 12. The camera 1 is provided on the left side ofthe top cover 2, with three selector pushbuttons 13, 14 and 15. On thetop of the camera holder grip 3 are provided a shutter button 4 and afirst pair of photography data changing pushbuttons 16 and 17. A secondpair of photography data changing pushbuttons 18 and 19 are provided onthe side wall of the lens-supporting mount 5 on the side opposite fromthe camera holder grip 3. As seen in the figure, the camera according tothe present embodiment is not provided with members such as a shutterdial, a film speed setting dial, an exposure compensation dial and anexposure control mode selection dial, which are adapted to mechanicallysetting photography data such as a shutter speed, a film speed, anamount of exposure compensation and an exposure control mode. In thepresent embodiment camera 1, the photography data are electrically setin response to the operation of the aforementioned selection buttons 13through 15 and changing buttons 16 through 19.

The main switch member 11 is manually and alternatively moved to the"ON" position to allow camera operation and to the "LOCK" position toinhibit camera operation. The display section 10 is composed of anelectro-optical display element such as a liquid crystal display device,and displays photography data such as the exposure control mode, theshutter speed, the diaphragm aperture value, the photograph framenumber, the film speed and the amount of exposure compensation. Theselector pushbuttons 13, 14 and 15 respectively correspond to the filmspeed setting dial, the exposure compensation setting dial and theexposure control mode selector dial provided on conventional cameras,and are manually operated to set the respective photography data incooperation with the changing pushbuttons 16 or 17 which is manuallyoperated while one of the selector pushbuttons is being depressed. Thechanging pushbuttons 16 and 17 correspond to the shutter dial ofconventional cameras and are manually operated to mainly increase orreduce the set shutter speed when the shutter button 4 is operated orfor the given time after the operation of the shutter button 4. When anyone of the selector pushbuttons 13, 14 or 15 is being operated, themanual operation of the changing pushbutton 16 or 17 will change thephotography data corresponding to the selector pushbutton beingoperated. Exchangeable lenses (not shown) to be coupled with the camera1 of the present embodiment are not provided with any conventionaldiaphragm setting ring. Instead, the changing pushbuttons 18 and 19correspond to the conventional diaphragm setting ring and are operatedto mainly increase or reduce the set diaphragm value. The resetpushbutton 12 is manually operated to set predetermined photography datain the camera by overriding the photography data changed and set by thepushbuttons 13 through 19.

FIG. 4 shows the camera circuitry, mainly the circuit relating to datasetting according to the present invention. With reference to theFigure, a microcomputer MC forms a control section which controls cameraoperations, such as light measurement, calculation, display, exposurecontrol and so forth, in response to the closure of switches describedlater. A power-up clear circuit is composed of a resistor Ro connectedacross the positive power source terminal VDD and the clear terminal CLRof the microcomputer MC and a capacitor CO connected across the clearterminal CLR and the ground terminal of the microcomputer MC. When apower source battery E is loaded in the camera 1, the power-up clearcircuit inputs to the clear terminal a signal dropping to a "Low" levelso that the later-described reset operation of the microcomputer iscommenced. A switch SDP connected in parallel with the capacitor CO isclosed by the operation of the reset pushbutton 12 shown in FIG. 1. Aswitch SM is opened and closed by the operation of the main switchmember 11 in FIG. 1 and is connected to the input terminal IPO directlyand to the interruption terminal INT through an OR gate OR. Themicrocomputer MC is interrupted when a signal dropping to a "low" levelis input to the interruption terminal. Switches SISO, S± and SMODEconnected to input terminals IP2, IP3 and IP4 respectively are normallyopen and are closed when the corresponding selector pushbutton 13, 14 or15 is depressed. Switches S1 and S2 connected to input terminals IP5 andIP6 are light-measurement commencing switch and shutter release switchrespectively, which are closed at the initial and final stage ofdepression of the shutter button 4 shown in FIG. 1. Switches STU, STD,SAU and SAD are respectively, connected with input terminals IP7, IP8,IP9 and IP10, and are normally open and are closed when one of thecorresponding changing pushbuttons 16, 17, 18 or 19 is depressed. An ANDgate AN is applied at its input terminals with the opening/closuresignals of the switches SISO, S+/-, SMODE, S1 and S2. The outputterminal of the AND gate AN is connected to the input terminal IP1directly and to the interruption terminal INT through OR gate OR.Furthermore, a switch SR is opened in response to the closure of theback cover 6 of the camera 1 and is connected to the S input terminal ofa flip-flop FF through a one-shot circuit MM. The Q output terminal andthe R input terminal of the flip-flop FF are connected with the IP11input terminal and OP0 output terminal respectively, of themicrocomputer MC.

A lens data outputting section LD is incorporated in the exchangeablelens and is composed of a ROM, which stores the data proper for therelevant exchangeable lens, and a circuit for outputting the data in theROM. The lens proper data includes data of the fully open aperturevalue, the focal length and the like. Such lens data are transmitted tothe microcomputer MC through the signal pins 20 (see FIG. 2) which arearranged on the camera 1 radially interior than the lens-receiving mount5. A film data reading section FD reads the film data such as data ofthe film speed and possible picture frame number, and transmits them tothe microcomputer MC. The film data are, for example, recorded on thecylindrical surface of the film cartridge in the form of a DX codedpattern. When the film cartridge with the DX coded pattern (hereinafterreferred to as a DX film cartridge) is loaded in the camera, the filmdata reading section FD automatically reads the film data. Alight-measuring section LM and an exposure control section EC known typeare also provided.

The operation of the camera with the above mentioned construction willbe described mainly with respect to the process of the data setting withreference to the flow-chart shown in FIG. 5. It is to be noted that thecamera of the embodiment is constructed to operate in five exposurecontrol modes including programmed automatic exposure control mode(P-mode), the diaphragm aperture priority automatic exposure timecontrol mode (A mode), the exposure time priority automatic diaphragmcontrol mode (S mode) and the manual exposure control mode (as M mode).In the P mode, the program line can be varied or shifted at the user'swill with an operation circuit or a microcomputer as described inJapanese laid-open patent application with a laid open No. 54-138431 andU.S. Pat. No. 4,320,944.

When the battery E is loaded in the camera, the power-up clear circuitoperates to instantanously set the potential at the clear terminal to a"Low" level. In response to the dropping of the potential, themicrocomputer MC performs the reset operation from the step #1. As thephotography data are initially set ISO100 for the film speed, F5.6 forthe diaphragm aperture, 1/250 for the shutter speed, P mode and 0 forthe amount of program shifting, and 0 for the exposure compensation(#2). The film data reading section FD is actuated in step #3. In thecase when a DX film cartridge with a DX coded pattern has been loaded inthe camera and the film data reading section FD reads the film data onthe cartridge, the read film speed data is stored at step #5. In thecase when the coded pattern is not read because the film cartridgeloaded in the camera has no DX coded pattern or if no film cartridge isloaded in the camera, the initialized film speed value corresponding toISO 100 remains unchanged and the process proceeds to step #6. At step#6, the output port is reset, then the display section 10 is deenergizedin step #7 and the microcomputer stops operating after making acondition to allow interruption by a "Low" level signal input to theinterruption terminal INT.

In the operation stop condition, the main switch member 11 may beshifted from the "LOCK" to the "ON" position to close the switch SM. Ifany one of the pushbuttons 13, 14 and 15 and the shutter button 4 isdepressed in this condition, one of the switches SISO, S+/-, SMODE, S1or S2 linked with the depressed button is closed to make a low level theoutput of OR gate OR and accordingly the input voltage to theinterruption terminal so that the microcomputer is interrupted. Withthis interruption, the microcomputer MC starts operation beginning atstep 190 9. First, the light-measuring section LM is actuated in step190 9 and the lens data in the exchangeable lens is read from the lensdata output section LD in step #10. Next, it is determined by thedetection of potentials at terminals IP2 through IP6 whether any ofswitches SISO, S+/-, SMODE, S1 or S2 is closed, and photography data ischanged in step 190 11 in accordance with the determination. Theoperation at the step 190 11 will be described in greater detail later.

It is then determined at step #13 whether or not the potential at theinput terminal IP11 is at the "High" level, i.e., whether the flip-flopFF has been set or not. The flip-flop FF is arranged to be set once thecamera back cover 6 is opened. Accordingly, it is detected at step #13whether or not the camera back cover 6 has been opened and closed toexchange film after the film speed was initialized in steps #2 through#5. Hence, when the flip-flop has been set, it means that the film speeddata has not been set since the film was exchanged, and the film datareading section FD is actuated at step #14 with the flip-flop FF beingreset. Once the film data has been read, new film speed data is set atsteps #15 and #16 and operation proceeds to step #17. If no film datahas been read or if the flip-flop FF has been reset, the film speed datais left unchanged and the operation proceeds to step 190 17.

At step #17, the desired exposure value is calculated on basis of thephotography data such as the exposure control mode, the diaphragmaperture value, the shutter speed value, and the light measurement dataand so on. Then, it is detected again at which of the input terminalsIP2 through IP6 the potential is a "Low" level. When the switch SISO hasbeen closed, the film speed data is displayed in the display section 10(steps #18 and #19). When the switch S+/- has been closed, the exposurecompensation data is displayed (steps °and #21). When one of theswitches SMODE, S1 and S1 has been set, the photography data of theaperture value or the shutter speed calculated at step #17 and theexposure control mode are displayed (step 22). After that, it isdetermined at steps #23 and #24 whether the potentials at both inputterminals IP0 and IP1 are "Low" levels or not, i.e. whether the switchSM has been closed with any of switches SISO, S+/--, SMODE, S1 and S2having been closed. If the switch SM is open or all the switches SISO,S+/₋, SMODE, S1 and S2 are open, the operation returns to the flowbeginning at step #6 to be stopped after the display is deenergized andthe interruption is allowed. When the switch SM has been closed and atthe same time any of the switches SISO, S+/--, SMODE, S1 and S2 has beenclosed as in the case of the interruption, it is then determined at step#25 whether the switch S2 has been closed. If the switch S2 has beenclosed, a well known shutter release operation is initiated and exposurecontrol operation is effected at step #26. After that, the operationreturns back to step #10. When the switch S2 is open, the operationimmediately returns to the step #10. With this, aforementionedoperations of light measurement, exposure calculation and displayoperations over the steps #10 through #22 are restarted. This operationis repeated until the switch SM is opened or all the switches SISO,S+/--, SMODE, S1 and S2 are opened.

FIG. 6 shows in more detail the operation at step #11. First, it isdetermined whether the interruption is effected by the closure of any ofthe switches SISO, S+/-- and and SMODE or by the closure of the switchS1 and S2. If the interruption is made by the closure of any of theswitches SISO, S+/-- and SMODE, the data of the film speed, the amountof exposure compensation and exposure control mode can be changed. Thosedata can be changed only when either of switches STU and STD is closedwith any of switches SISO, S+/- and SMODE being closed but neither ofswitches SAV and SAD being closed. If either of SAV and SAD is closed,the data can not be changed. When the interruption is due to the closureof either switch S1 or S2, the data of the amount of the programshifting, the diaphragm aperture value or the shutter speed value can bechanged in accordance with the exposure control mode selected from theP, A, M and S modes. Those data are changed when either of switches S1and S2 are closed with one of the switches STU, STD, SAU and SAD beingclosed. Explanation will be made hereinbelow about the process of datachanging in accordance with the combination of closed switches.

a) In the case where either of switches STU and STD is closed with theswitch SISO being closed:

When the switch STU is closed, the potential at the input terminal IP7drops to a "Low" level. In response to the dropping of the potential,the film speed value e.g. ISO100 set previously is increased by 1/3 stepfrom the value to e.g. ISO125. Thus, the film speed value is increasedby 1/3 step with each closure of the switch STU. The film speed valuechanged in this way is displayed instantaneously. When the switch STD isclosed, the potential at the input terminal PI8 drops to a "Low" level.In response to the dropping of the potential, the film speed value isreduced by 1/3 step and the reduction is repeated with the repeatedclosure of the switch STD. When the switch SISO is opened, the displaysection 10 displays the indication of an exposure control mode and adiaphragm aperture value and/or a shutter speed value determined on thebasis of the film speed value set just before the opening of the switchSISO.

b) In the case where either of switches STU and STD is closed with theswitch S+/-- being closed:

When the switch STU is closed, the dropping of the potential at theinput terminal IP7 causes the amount of the exposure compensation toincrease by 0.5 step from a previously set value. The value of theexposure compensation amount is repeatedly increased with the repeatedclosure of the switch STU. When the switch STD is closed, the droppingof the potential at the terminal IP8 causes the value of the exposurecompensation amount to decrease by 0.5 step and the decrease of thevalue by 0.5 step is repeated with the repeated closure of the switchSTD. The value of the exposure compensation amount thus changed isdisplayed at the display section 10 along with the character + or --indicating that the direction of the change is positive or negative.When the switch S+/-- is opened, the display section 10 displays theindication of an exposure control mode and a diaphragm aperture valueand/or a shutter speed value determined on the basis of the value of theexposure compensation amount that was set just before the opening of theswitch S+/--.

c) In the case when either of switches STU and STD is closed with theswitch SMODE being closed: when the switch STU is closed, the droppingof the potential at the input terminal IP7 causes the exposure controlmode to change from a previously set mode e.g. the P mode to anothermode, e.g. the A mode. Repeated closure of the switch STU causessequential and cyclic change of the exposure control mode in the orderof P→A→M→S→P mode. When the switch STD is closed, the dropping of thepotential at the input terminal IP8 causes the exposure control mode tochange reversely, e.g. from P to S mode. The exposure control modechanges sequentially in the order of P→S→M→A→P mode. When the exposurecontrol mode is changed in this way, the display section 10 displays theindication of the changed exposure control mode and a diaphragm aperturevalue and/or a shutter speed value for that exposure control mode.

d) In the case where the switch S1 and S2 is closed in the P modecondition with any of switches STU, STD, SAU and SAD being closed:

When either switch STU or SAD is closed, the exposure control program ischanged such that the shutter speed value is increased by 1/2 step andthe diaphragm aperture value is reduced by 1/2 step from the valuesdetermined by the program just before the operation of the switchresulting in parallel shifting of the program line representing theexposure program. It is to be noted that the above shifting is referredto as +1 step program shift or program shift of +1 step while a shiftingof the exposure program to reduced the shutter speed value by 1/2 stepand increase the diaphragm aperture value by 1/2 is referred to as -1step program shift or program shift of -1 step. When the closure of theswitch STU or SAD is repeated, the program is changed to shift theprogram line parallelly by +1 step at each closure of the switch. Whenthe switch STD or SAU is closed, the program is changed to shift theprogram line parallelly by -1 step. The repeated closure of the switchSTD or SAU causes the program line to shift by -1 step at each closureof the switch. FIG. 7 shows how the program line is shifted. In theFigure, the solid line represents a most popular program which is set inthe circuit by the initialization at step #2 and which has not beenshifted, i.e. has the amount 0 of shifting. The broken line is a programline for the program shifted by +2 steps from the zero shift conditionby, for example, the closure of the switch STU two times. The chain dotline is a program line for the program shifted by -2 steps from the zeroshift condition by, for example, the closure of the switch STD twotimes. Then the amount of the program shifting is changed, the displaysection 10 displays the indication of P mode and a diaphragm aperturevalue and a shutter speed value determined in accordance with the newprogram represented by the shifted program line. In this case, theindication of the P mode is intermittently driven to blink.

e) In the case where the switch S1 or S2 is closed at the A mode withone of the switches STU, STD, SAU and SAD being closed:

When the switch SAU or STD is closed, the diagram aperture value isincreased by 1/2 step from the previously set value, for example, fromF2 to F2.4 and is repeatedly increased by 1/2 step with the repeatedclosure of the switch SAU or ATD. When the switch SAD or STU is closed,the diaphragm aperture value is reduced by 1/2 step from the previouslyset value and is repeatedly reduced by 1/2 step with the repeatedclosure of the switch SAD or STU. When the diaphragm aperture value ischanged in this way, the display section 10 displays the indication ofthe A mode and the changed diaphragm aperture value and a shutter speedvalue determined on the basis of changed aperture value.

f) In the case where the switch S1 or S2 is closed at the M mode withone of switches STU, STD, SAU and STD being closed:

When the switch SAU is closed, the diaphragm aperture value is increasedby 1/2 step from a previously set value and is repeatedly increased by1/2 step with repeated closure of the switch SAU. When the switch SAD isclosed, the diaphragm aperture value is reduced by 1/2 step from apreviously set value and is repeatedly reduced by 1/2 step with repeatedclosure of the switch SAD. When the switch STU is closed, the shutterspeed value is increased by one step from a previously set value, e.g.from 1/250 sec to 1/500 and is repeatedly increased by one step withrepeated closure of the switch STU. When the switch STD is closed, theshutter speed value is reduced by one step from a previously set valueand is repeatedly reduced by one step with repeated closure of theswitch STD. The display section 10 displays the indication of the M modeand the diaphragm aperture and shutter speed values thus set with theswitches STU, STD, SAU and SAT.

g) In the case where the switch S1 or S2 is closed at the S mode withone of the switches STU, STD, SAU and SAD being closed:

When the switch STU or SAD is closed, the shutter speed value isincreased by one step from a previously set value and is repeatedlyincreased by one step with repeated closure of the switch STU or SAD.When the switch STD or SAU is closed, the shutter speed value is reducedby one step from a previously set value and is repeatedly reduced by onestep with repeated closure of the switch STD or SAU. The display section10 displays the indication of the S mode and the shutter speed value setas mentioned above as well as a diaphragm aperture value determined onthe basis of the set shutter speed value.

As described before, the switches STU and SAU are manually operatedmainly to increase respectively the shutter speed and diaphragm aperturevalue, while the switches STD and SAD are manually operated mainly toreduce respectively the shutter speed and diaphragm aperture value. Asseen in the cases of above described d), e) and g), the directions ofthe program shift and of the changes of the shutter speed and diaphragmaperture values are opposite when the switches STU and STD and operatedand when the switches SAU and SAD are operated. For example, the switchSTU for increasing the shutter speed in S and M modes, is operated toreduce the diaphragm aperture value in A mode. This is for the followingreason. In the automatic exposure control modes such as the P, A and Smodes, the shutter speed value and/or the diaphragm aperture value isautomatically calculated on the basis of a film sensitivity and a lightmeasurement value. At this time, the shutter speed value and thediaphragm aperture value are in a complementary relationship whereinincrease of one of them causes decrease of the other by the same amount.Accordingly, in the cases of d) for the P mode, e) for the A mode and g)for the S mode, the operation of the switch STU and the operation of theswitch SAD both perform the same function in causing increase of theshutter speed value and decrease of the diaphragm aperture value. In thesame sense, the operation of the switch STD and the operation of theswitch SAU perform the same function in causing the decrease of theshutter speed and the increase of the diaphragm aperture value in thecases of d) for the P mode, e) for the A mode and g) for the S mode.Thus, in the cases of d) through g), the operation of the switches STUand STD, actuated by pushbuttons 16 and 17 located about the position ofa shutter dial on conventional cameras, causes respectively the increaseand decrease of the shutter speed and the operation of the switches SAUand SAD, actuated by pushbuttons 18 and 19 located about the position ofa diaphragm aperture setting ring on conventional cameras, causesrespectively the increase and decrease of the diaphragm aperture value.In other words, pushbuttons 16, 17, 18 and 19 function to change thesame exposure parameter in the same direction, thereby providingconvenience of operation and avoiding confusion in operation. As seen inthe above, operation of either pair of switches STU and STD and SAU andSAD causes the change of the shutter speed value or the diaphragmaperture value in the P, A and S modes, thereby providing convenience ofoperation. Additionally, as the switches STU and STD are located aroundthe area where a shutter speed setting dial would be located inconventional cameras and the switches SAU and SAD are located around thearea where a diaphragm setting ring would be located in the conventionalcameras, those switches can be operated without strange feeling by theuser who has been accustomed to the operation of conventional cameras.

The above described flow was designed such that when the switch S1 or S2is opened at the time of changing of the data of the shutter speed, thediaphragm aperture value and the program shifting amount, the operationsof the data changing, exposure calculation and display are inhibited andthe operation of the microcomputer returns back to step #6 wherein theoperation is stopped. However, the flow may be modified such that theoperations of the data changing, exposure calculation and display or theoperations of the exposure calculation and display are maintained for agiven time after the opening of the switch S1.

With reference to FIG. 4, a switch SDP is parallelly connected with thepower-on clear circuit. The switch SDP is closed by the operation of thereset pushbutton 12 when the user wishes to take a picture of a properexposure urgently in the situation where the above-mentioned switcheshave been operated to change and/or set photography data at the step #11and the photography data are such as to provide an exposure deviatedfrom the proper exposure, for example, in the case where the setexposure compensation amount is not zero or where an arbitrary exposurecondition is set in the M mode. When the switch SDP is closed, thepotential at the clear terminal CLR of the microcomputer MC is made a"Low" level so that the microcomputer MC performs the operation of thesteps #1 through #5. With this operation, the camera photography dataare automatically initialized so that the exposure control mode is setto the P mode, and that the exposure compensation amount and the amountof the program shifting are respectively made zero with the film speedis set to the most common value ISO100 or the value read by the filmdata reading section FD. Accordingly, if the switch SDP is closedmomentarily, preparation for proper exposure photography is completed sothat the user will not lose the shutter chance. The switch SDP may beclosed to change the photography data that have been set. In such acase, the switch SDP is effective especially when the set photographydata are much changed from the initialized values or conditions.Further, if the user is not accustomed to the operation of the cameraand has forgotten or become confused with the manner of the operationwhile operating a camera, he or she may only operate the resetpushbutton 12 to set the camera such that a proper exposure is obtained.

Although all the members for setting the photography data are composedof push buttons in the above described embodiment, the pushbuttons maybe replaced by slide switches. FIGS. 8 through 10 show an outerappearance of second embodiment of a camera which is provided with slideswitches partially in place of the pushbuttons. With reference to theFigures, a switch member 25 corresponds to the changing pushbuttons 16and 17 in FIG. 1 and is manually and selectively settable to a neutralor intermediate position and a left and a right side positions. When theswitch member 25 is at the neutral position, both switches STU and STDin FIG. 4 are open. When the switch member is at the right side positionas viewed from the front of the camera, the switch STD is closed, whilethe switch STU is closed with the switch member 25 at the left sideposition. A switch member 26 corresponds to the changing pushbuttons 18and 19 in FIG. 1 and is manually and selectively set to a neutralposition and upper and lower positions. When the switch member 26 is atthe neutral position, both switches SAU and SAD are open. The switch SAUis closed with the switch member 26 at the upper position, while theswitch SAD is closed with the switch member 26 at the lower position.Those switch members 25 and 26 are urged by springs (not shown) towardsthe neutral position. As the circuit and its operation of the camerashown in FIGS. 8 through 10 has substantially the same construction asthat of the aforementioned first embodiment and is not described here.

FIG. 11 shows a top plain view of third embodiment of a camera whereinthe second pair of changing pushbuttons 31 an 32 are provided on thelens barrel of an exchangeable lens 30 in place of on the side wall ofthe lens-supporting mount shown in FIG. 1. With reference to the Figure,the lens 30 is provided with the changing pushbuttons 31 and 32 and afocus adjusting ring 33. The pushbuttons 31 and 32 respectivelycorrespond to the pushbuttons 18 and 19 in FIG. 1 and are located atupper left portion of the lens 30 with respect to the optical axis ofthe lens, as viewed from the back of the camera. As the circuit and itsoperation of the camera shown in FIG. 11 has substantially the sameconstruction as that of the aforementioned first embodiment and is notdescribed here.

The above and other related objects and features of the invention willbe apparent from a reading of the following description of thedisclosure found in the accompanying drawings and the novelty thereofpointed out in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera data setting device for use in a camera which is selectively operable in a plurality of exposure control modes including a programmed automatic exposure control mode and another mode with manual setting of exposure control data, said device comprising:first manually operable means; first directing means manually operable for directing change of the exposure control mode; second directing means manually operable for directing exposure compensation; means, capable of functioning with the camera not having been supplied with main power from a main power source, for turning on the main power supply for causing the presetting of first data indicating the contents of the exposure control mode, second data indicating the amount of the exposure compensation, and third data indicating the contents of the exposure control data to each standard data; first data changing means for changing the first data with said first manually operable means being manually operated when the change of the exposure control mode is directed by said first directing means, after the first data is preset in response to the turning on of the main power supply; second data changing means for changing the second data with said first manually operable means being manually operated when the exposure compensation is directed by said second directing means, after the second data is preset in response to the turning on of the main power supply; third data changing means for changing the third data with said first manually operable means only being operated with main power supplied to the camera, after the third data is preset in response to the turning on of the main power supply; second manually operable means capable of functioning with the camera having been supplied with the main power, said second manually operable means having no function of turning on and off the main power supply; and means, responsive to said second manually operable means, for setting the first data to a data indicating the programmed automatic exposure control mode with the second and third data being reset such that the amount of exposure compensation of the second data is reset to zero, and the third data is reset to a predetermined exposure control data.
 2. A camera data setting device as in claim 1, wherein said exposure control data is an exposure time.
 3. A camera data setting device as in claim 1, wherein said exposure control data is a diaphragm aperture value.
 4. A camera data setting device as in claim 1, further comprising third directing means manually operable for directing change of film speed, fourth data changing means for changing a fourth data indicating the contents of film speed with said first manually operable means being manually operated when the change of the film speed is directed by said third directing means, means for reading a film speed stored on a film cartridge, wherein said setting means sets the the first data to the data indicating the programmed automatic exposure control mode further with the fourth data being present such that the fourth data is set to the film speed read by said reading means.
 5. A camera data setting device for use in a camera which is selectively operable in a plurality of exposure control modes including a programmed automatic exposure control mode and another mode with manual setting of exposure control data, said device comprising:first manually operable means; first directing means manually operable for directing change of the exposure control mode; second directing means manually operable for directing exposure compensation; means, capable of functioning with the camera not having been supplied with main power from a main power source, for turning on the main power supply for causing the presetting of first data indicating the contents of the exposure control mode, second data indicating the amount of the exposure compensation, and third data indicating the contents of the exposure control data to each standard data; first data changing for changing the first data with said first manually operable means being manually operated when the change of the exposure control mode is directed by said first directing means, after the first data is preset in response to the turning on of the main power supply; second data changing means for changing the second data with said first manually operable means being manually operated when the exposure compensation is directed by said second directing means, after the second data is preset in response to the turning on of the main power supply; third data changing means for changing the third data with said first manually operable means only being operated with main power supplied to the camera, after the third data is preset in response to the turning on of the main power supply; second manually operable means capable of functioning with the camera having been supplied with the main power, said second manually operable means having no function of turning on and off the main power supply; and means, responsive to said second manually operable means, for setting the first data to a data indicating the programmed automatic exposure control mode with the second data being reset such that the amount of exposure compensation of the second data is reset to zero.
 6. A camera data setting device for use in a camera which is selectively operable in a plurality of exposure control modes including a programmed automatic exposure control mode and another mode with manual setting of exposure control data, said device comprising:first manually operable means; directing means manually operable for directing change of the exposure control mode; means, capable of functioning with the camera not having been supplied with main power from a main power source, for turning on the main power supply for causing the presetting of first data indicating the contents of the exposure control mode, second data indicating the contents of the exposure control data to each standard data; first data changing means for changing the first data with said first manually operable means being manually operated when the change of the exposure control mode is directed by said directing means, after the first data is preset in response to the turning on of the main power supply; second data changing means for changing the second data with said first manually operable means only being operated with main power supplied to the camera, after the second data is preset in response to the turning on of the main power supply; second manually operable means capable of functioning with the camera having been supplied with the main power, said second manually operable means having no function of turning on and off the main power supply; and means, responsive to said second manually operable means, for setting the first data to a data indicating the programmed automatic exposure control mode with the second data being reset such that the second data is reset to a predetermined exposure control data.
 7. A camera data setting device for use in a camera which is selectively operable in a plurality of exposure control modes including a programmed automatic exposure control mode and another mode with manual setting of exposure control data, said device comprising:first manually operable means; directing means manually operable for directing exposure compensation; means, capable of functioning with the camera not having been supplied with main power from a main power source, for turning on the main power supply for causing the presetting of first data indicating the amount of the exposure compensation, and second data indicating the contents of the exposure control data to each standard data; first data changing means for changing the first data with said first manually operable means being manually operated when the exposure compensation is directed by said directing means, after the first data is preset in response to the turning on of the main power supply; second data changing means for changing the second data with said first manually operable means only being operated with main power supplied to the camera in the mode with the manual setting of exposure control data, after the second data is preset in response to the turning on of the main power supply; and second manually operable means for setting the camera to the programmed automatic exposure control mode with the first data being reset such that the amount of exposure compensation of the first data is reset to zero, said second manually operable means having no function of turning on and off the main power supply.
 8. A camera data setting device as in claim 7, wherein said parameters include a data indicating the contents of an exposure control mode and the standard data thereof is a data indicating a programmed automatic exposure control mode.
 9. A camera data setting device as in claim 7, wherein said parameters include a data indicating an amount of an exposure compensation and the standard thereof is zero.
 10. A camera data setting device as in claim 7, further comprising means for reading a film speed stored on a film cartridge, wherein said parameters include a data indicating a film speed and the standard data thereof is the film speed read by said reading means.
 11. A camera data setting device for use in a camera having a plurality of manually settable parameters determining a camera operation, each said parameter having a standard data, said device comprising:means, capable of functioning with the camera not having been supplied with main power from a main power source, for turning on the main power supply for causing presetting of data indicating the plurality of parameters to the standard data, respectively; first means manually operable for designating one of the parameters; second means manually operable for changing data of one of the parameters designated by said designating means, after data of the parameter is preset to the standard data in response to the turning on of the main power supply; third manually operable means capable of functioning with the camera having been supplied with main power, said third manually operable means having no function of turning on and off the main power supply;; and means, responsive to said third manually operable means, for resetting the plurality of parameters such that said data of the parameters are each reset to the standard data, respectively.
 12. A camera data setting device for use in a camera which is selectively operable in a plurality of exposure control modes including a programmed automatic exposure control mode and another mode with manual setting of exposure control data, and manually settable parameters determining operation of said camera, said device comprising:first manually operable means; first changing means, responsive to a operation of said first manually operable means, for changing the exposure control mode of said camera to selectively set one among the plurality of exposure control modes; second manually operable means; second changing means, responsive to operation of said second manually operable means, for changing the exposure control mode of said camera to forcibly set the programmed automatic exposure control mode; third manually operable means; third changing means for changing data indicating the content of the parameter in the exposure control mode set by said first changing means; and means for controlling said third changing means to preserve the changed data of the parameter when the exposure control mode of said camera is changed from one to another by said first setting means, and to set the changed data of the parameter to a predetermined data when the exposure control mode of said camera is changed from one to another by said second changing means.
 13. A camera data setting device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first changing means changes the exposure control mode of said camera to selectively set one among the plurality of exposure control modes except the programmed automatic exposure control mode. 